Letters: 'Elites' vs. religious belief

Re "A 2014 wish list," Editorial, Jan. 1

This wish by The Times reinforces the stereotype of liberal elitists' dismissive responses to conservative viewpoints:

"Conservatives who argue that religious liberty is under siege because of gay rights, Obamacare and a 'war on Christmas': Choose your battles better. Crying wolf means that you won't be listened to when there is a legitimate argument that a public policy undermines religious freedom."

This attitude was seen in the 2008 presidential campaign, when then-Sen. Barack Obama mentioned people who "cling to their guns or religion."

In fact, these are deeply held religious beliefs that millions of people hold despite the fact that you and I may disagree. It seems that even liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor agrees there are legitimate questions regarding the Affordable Care Act; she granted a temporary exemption to a group of nuns whose religious belief preclude it from paying for contraception coverage.